Canal water tainted with sewage spill now meets water quality standards

October 4, 2018

The city of Cape Coral has received lab results from water samples that were collected on Oct. 1 from the Magnolia Canal after an accident caused a sewage spill.

These samples passed recreational use water quality standards, city officials said Thursday.

A boring contractor had hit a 12-inch force main in the 2700 block of Country Club Boulevard Sept. 28 at about 3 p.m. causing a sewage spill estimated at 36,000 gallons. Cape Coral Utilities crews responded and isolated the spill. Much of the raw sewage spilled into the swale area and entered the storm drain and Magnolia Canal, officials said.

City crews began removing the remaining sewage, and the area was cleaned and limed. The City said it would conduct testing in the Magnolia Canal to determine fecal counts. Residents along the Magnolia Canal were asked to avoid direct contact with the water until the City gave the "all clear" sign. The City anticipated the spill would dissipate quickly based on the flow and tidal action in the canal system.

City officials said they would hold the contractor responsible for costs associated with the cleanup.